RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

RAPID AFib Decision Aid for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation

This study is testing a new online tool called RAPID AFib for people with an irregular heartbeat, also known as atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib can increase your risk of stroke, and there are medicines that can help prevent this. The RAPID AFib tool is designed to help you understand your personal stroke risk and compare different treatment options called 'oral anticoagulants'. This study wants to find out if using this tool can help patients and their doctors make better, shared decisions about stroke prevention. We'll compare it to just giving out standard information to see if people feel more involved and understand their options more clearly when using the tool, and whether doctors find it helpful too.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Calgary

Enrolment target

Start

01 Apr 2024

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2025

Atrial Fibrillation

What is this study about?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart condition where your heart beats irregularly. This can increase your risk of having a stroke. Luckily, there are medicines available called 'oral anticoagulants' that can significantly lower this risk. Deciding which medicine is best for you can sometimes be tricky, as it depends on your own risk of stroke and also your risk of bleeding from the medicine.

This study is looking at a new online tool called RAPID AFib. This tool is designed to help you understand your personal risk of stroke and bleeding. It also allows you to explore different treatment options and see which one might suit you best based on your medical profile and preferences. The tool then creates a summary report that you can discuss with your doctor.

We want to see if using this RAPID AFib tool helps you and your doctor work together to make the best decision about your stroke prevention medicine. We're also checking if the tool is easy and helpful for both patients and doctors to use. Ultimately, the goal is to help more people with AFib get the right treatment to prevent strokes and improve their health.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates an online tool called RAPID AFib.
The tool helps people with atrial fibrillation understand stroke prevention options.
It aims to improve discussions between patients and doctors.
Participants will either use the tool or receive standard information before a specialist visit.
The study wants to see if the tool is easy to use and helps with shared decision-making.
It focuses on helping patients make informed choices about existing medicines.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to have been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) in the last year. You must be 18 years old or older. You should also not have started taking blood-thinning medication (oral anticoagulation) for more than 90 days, or not be taking it at all yet.

Crucially, you would need to have an appointment scheduled with a heart specialist (like a cardiologist) within 7 to 30 days of joining the study. This is because the study looks at how the tool helps with discussions during that important first visit.

However, you couldn't join if your AFib is linked to certain heart valve problems (called 'valvular AFib'), or if you're already taking specific blood-thinning medicines for other health reasons. Also, if you have difficulty using the internet or reading English at a basic level, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have you been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in the last year?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you not currently on blood-thinning medicine for more than 90 days, or haven't started yet?
Do you have a specialist heart appointment coming up in the next 7-30 days?
Can you use the internet and read English at a basic level?
Do you have certain heart valve problems (like mechanical valves or moderate/severe rheumatic mitral stenosis)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be divided into two groups. One group will be asked to use the new online RAPID AFib tool and will also receive standard information materials before your specialist appointment. The other group will only receive the standard information materials.

You would use the online tool (if you're in that group) at home before your scheduled heart specialist visit. Researchers will then observe or ask about how discussions took place during your specialist visit and how well you understood your treatment options. We'll also ask for your feedback on the usefulness of the tools and information provided. The study itself won't involve taking new medication that isn't part of standard care, and won't involve extra hospital visits beyond your normal specialist appointment.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part could include gaining a clearer understanding of your stroke and bleeding risks, and a better grasp of your treatment options for atrial fibrillation, which might empower you in discussions with your doctor. As this is a study, the main risk is that the new tool might not be as helpful as expected, or you might find using it takes some time. Please remember that participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Recruiting
Vita Diagnostics
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'atrial fibrillation'?

It's a condition where your heart beats irregularly (not always in a steady rhythm). This can increase your risk of stroke.

What does a 'patient decision aid' do?

It's a tool, often online, that helps you understand your medical condition, treatment choices, and the pros and cons of each, so you can make informed decisions with your doctor.

Will I have to take new medication as part of this study?

No, the study isn't about new medications. It's about how you and your doctor decide on existing stroke prevention medicines. Your doctor will still prescribe what's best for you.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your main involvement will be before and during your scheduled specialist appointment, which is typically a short period, and providing feedback afterwards.

What if I don't have internet access or find computers difficult?

This study requires you to be able to use web-based tools and read English. If these are difficult for you, you unfortunately wouldn't be able to take part.

How to find out more

Stephen B Wilton, MD

sbwilton@ucalgary.ca 403-210-7102 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.